I'm looking for a car to buy, and my research led me to a very interesting ride that's on the market.
I know it's been on the market for a year almost, but it's still pretty rare on the streets.
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The quest for firepower
Employing the same 2.3-liter turbo four as the Mazdaspeed 6, but with retuned intake and exhaust systems, and a modified ECU that reduces torque levels in 1st through 3rd gears, this super-Mazda generates 264 hp (JIS) at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. That translates into a rather quick 0-60-mph time of 6.1 seconds, according to Maeda.
That 264 hp is delivered through a clean-clicking six-speed manual gearbox with short throws and a firm touch. Power comes online from 2,500 rpm and stays hot all the way up to the 6,800-rpm redline, with its linear torque response more akin to a gutsy V6 than a four-cylinder turbo. But while the turbo's "phoooar" resonates loudly inside the cabin when pushed hard from 4,000 rpm, we feel the 3 could do with some extra exhaust note tweaking befitting the car's character.
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Mazdaspeed 3: The world's quickest hot hatch is here